Originally Posted by TheLAGuy

I shot a beretta yesterday and liked it quite a bit. Does the M&P have an extra safety on it?

Some do, some don't.

This one : Product: Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm

Originally Posted by TheLAGuy

This one : Product: Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm

That particular gun referenced does not have one, but that style of gun does exist with a thumb safety...they have different SKU numbers.

Originally Posted by TheLAGuy

...Does the M&P have an extra safety on it?

That "extra safety" you're asking for does not need to be on the gun.
It needs to be "between your ears."
The very most important safety device is your own brain.

If your brain is not engaged and thinking clearly, none of the safeties on your gun will protect you—or someone else—from a negligent discharge (that is, an "accidental" shot).
Some pistols have no mechanical safety device at all. (Most Kel-Tec pistols are good examples.) Nevertheless, they are perfectly safe to carry and use, if the carrier/user keeps his brain engaged.

Originally Posted by Steve M1911A1

That "extra safety" you're asking for does not need to be on the gun.
It needs to be "between your ears."
The very most important safety device is your own brain.

Everytime I quote this and see this line, I think of a post on here I saw way back. Some guy had shot himself in the groin (crotch whatever) with a taurus pistol despite the saftey being engaged. I think it was even a pink one...

Say it with me, you are the saftey! lol

But wouldnt you agree that having a few safety interlocks isnt a bad thing?

Originally Posted by TheLAGuy

But wouldnt you agree that having a few safety interlocks isnt a bad thing?

Well, do keep in mind that Jake tends to prefer his firearms to be unloaded to start with....that's almost (IMHO "IS") too good a safety.


Personally, I like a thumb safety. I'm not keen on the grip safety of the Springfield XD pistols as it also prevents slide travel, I don't care for slide mounted safeties like that of the Beretta 92FS and would have it converted to being de-cocker only. Reason being that when manipulating the slide by hand you can inadvertently engage the safety when you don't want to.

The grip safety of the 1911 pattern pistol is OK in my book...as are the thumb safeties of the HK pistols, M&P pistols and some others such as CZ. I don't like the thumb safety of Ruger's current SR9/40 and LC9 pistols as I think they are too small to encourage positive engagement/disengagement. This is good for Ruger as it means that they don't have to market different guns like S&W and the M&P line for guns with and without thumb safeties. The Rugers mentioned have safeties small enough not to bother those that don't want them, which in my mind makes them too small for those that would want such a feature.

One safety feature that I do not like, is the magazine disconnect, that prevents the gun from being fired without the magazine in place. Be very careful when shopping for guns in CA as many pistols on the DOJ approved list have this feature.


I am of the opinion that I want my gun to go bang even if the magazine somehow manages to come unseated during my day.

duel post:

I ended up getting the Beretta PX4 storm 9mm, i liked the extra safety considering its my first firearm, I was on the fence between the glock g17 and the Beretta. I figure its a good start and get some more weaponry within the next year.

Thanks again for all the advice! You guys helped me out.